American Airlines’ Dreamliner to take on US rivals on Sydney-L.A. route

American Airlines either has the best timing in the world or saw an opportunity to take on one of its biggest US rivals, United, on trans-Pacific services.

Less than two days after United’s public image was tainted by a viral video in which a man is aggressively removed from an aircraft, American Airlines decided to announce an aircraft upgrade on flights between Sydney and Los Angeles.

From 8 November 2017, the airline will replace the Boeing 777-300ER with the 787-9 Dreamliner, which just happens to be the same aircraft currently used by United on services to and from Australia.

However, unlike the United plane, American Airlines’ (AA) aircraft has Premium Economy, making AA the first U.S. carrier to offer the Class on the Sydney-L.A. route. United’s aircraft has Economy Plus, which falls short of Premium because its seats are the same width as standard Economy and it doesn’t come with all the extra perks.

American Airlines’ Premium Economy features leather seats with 38 inches of pitch, more legroom, wider seats and an expandable foot. Customers will also receive special amenity kits and noise-reducing headphones as well as an enhanced pillow and blanket.

In Business Class, guests will have all-aisle-access seats, along with premium onboard dining with a chef-inspired menu, a Cole Haan-branded amenity kit containing products from C.O. Bigelow, 3Lab and Clark’s Botanicals as well as Bose noise-reducing headphones.

Passengers seated by the window will be able to adjust outside lighting with the electrically dimmable windows and everyone will have access to larger overhead storage space, an improved cabin air system and reduced noise levels.

American Airlines General Manager Australia and New Zealand Simon Dodd said the aircraft switch is part of the carrier’s commitment to providing customers “with a world-class product and travel experience”.